Health

Travellers to developing countries should start with long term basic health protection. This means vaccinations against Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid and Hepatitis A. Other vaccinations will depend on where you are going, local conditions at that time and your anticipated environment. Visitors to Yellow Fever areas such as West Africa should definitely be vaccinated against it. Consult a health specialist. A series of jabs may take up to six weeks to complete, so get on with it! More

Malaria, Dengue, Zika and other unpleasantness is at large in over 100 countries of the world. Check out how to avoid mosquitoes and other disease avoidance strategies.

And since you may be on a plane for many hours, also how do you avoid jet lag and/or DVT?!

Safety

For up-to-date government advice on unsafe areas

But note that Government warnings tend to be extremely cautious. Read the papers, watch the news, judge for yourself – travelling when things are a little hairy means fewer tourists, more room availability, less cost, more cool. Life is a gamble.

If you’re traveling to the USA and not an American citizen don’t forget that you will need to get an ESTA Visa Waiver if it’s your first time there.

Register your whereabouts when travelling abroad

Another useful service provided by FO, given the uncertainty in some parts of the world as a result of natural disasters or outbreaks of civil unrest, UK citizens may like to note an online service from the Foreign Office.

You may register the details of your trip and the person(s) travelling with you before your trip starts.

You can also register details of your family and friends so that they can be contacted in the event that you are affected by an incident whilst travelling. Visit your government’s site as above, there should be a section for registration.